The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) by Brian Terenna (best ebook reader .txt) 📗

control all media, you control people’s minds,” says Americus. “Before the revolution, the shadow government controlled ninety-five percent of the media. After the old American government created the fact-checking czar and told people what was true and what was not, they gained complete control. It’s happening again. How has the Antitrust Division missed this?”

“Just another example of why we shouldn’t pay taxes,” says Nav.

“Enough, Naveha,” says Americus.

“Boss, give me a squad of five Loyalists,” says Alexander. “I’ll disable Infoworld’s entire criminal network.”

Americus lowers his hand for Alexander to simmer down. “Not yet. We need more information.” He raises his q-link. “Zill, get me Gerald, my NIA asset, and put it on speaker.” Americus tells his asset what we found.

“I haven’t heard anything yet, Major,” says Gerald, “but we’re second to none. We’ll figure this out just like we always did in the Marines. Keep me posted on anything else you learn.” Gerald disconnects.

“He was always the smartest of my men,” says Americus. “Now that he works for the NIA, he’s invaluable.” He rubs his thick beard. “So, Infoworld corners the media market, then targets all Evos in Stroudsburg. Why would they? And how do they have the capabilities? Someone else must be pulling the strings. And who’s more likely than the company who created the Evo, Xyphotech.”

“Those scum. They wouldn’t dare,” says Nav.

Americus grunts. “They’re one of the most powerful companies in America, and they have past ties to Infoworld since they were both a part of Limitless Corp before antitrust action split them up.”

Interesting. Sounds plausible.

“I want to find out what article Sandra was working on and if possible, what Barbra learned,” says Americus. “We also need to get more information about Xyphotech and Infoworld. When we have what we need, we can turn it over to the government.”

Nav scoffs. “Like we can trust them.”

“Stop!” says Americus. “We can trust them…except for the NIA scum of course.”

Nav shuts her mouth but looks like she’s seething.

I gaze out the window to calm myself. The rain has stopped, and the sun shines in a blue sky. The serenity of it almost makes it seem like the Evo attack never happened. I take a few breaths and try to tune out Americus and Nav’s argument. Hell, this is stressful. I wish I could relax in the sun with nothing to do but watch coding tutorials or daydream about cute gamer-guys.

Four fiery explosions flash in the distance, ripping apart the stillness of the moment. A second later, the room rumbles ominously. We all leap to our feet and run to the windows.

Dark clouds of smoke plume in the distance near the military base outside of town. An approaching rumble deafens me as two low-flying jets screech by our window. I flinch as another fiery cloud erupts in the distance. A series of loud pops from some kind of mortar follow the explosion.

☼☼☼

I stare wide-eyed at multiple mushroom clouds. I just hope they’re not nuclear.

Americus jogs out to the main room and says, “Everyone away from the windows. Put on your body armor and grab your rifles.”

Twenty or so people scramble around, putting on armor, picking up guns, and checking ammo. They gather in the center of the room around circular couches.

Diablo. What the hell is happening?

“Astrid, find out what’s going on,” says Americus.

“No news yet, sir.”

We sit in tense anticipation. My stomach burns from the anxiety in a way that I haven’t felt in years. I focus on slowing my breathing, and it feels like an eternity until Astrid’s q-link beeps.

“Sir, the US military is reporting that there’s been an attack by the South American military at Fort Stroudsburg. A squad of stealth jets somehow managed to get by our military’s detection perimeter,” says Astrid. “The American military is preparing to strike back. Looks like it’s war.”

 Americus punches a fist into his palm. “How did they manage that? This throws off all of our theories. The RSA is now the most likely Evo hacking culprit.”

“Let’s mobilize, Americus,” says Alexander, his eyes lighting up. “We need to get to Fort Stroudsburg now.”

Americus shakes his head. “We don’t have the arms or manpower to take on a full military strike.”

“I agree, sir,” says Astrid. “Hold on. The president just made a statement.” Astrid plays the message.

A hologram of President Toscano materializes in front of us. Her sharp features are set in a grim expression. “We are at war with the Republic of South America, but we will be victorious. Despite their recent military modernization, the American Military is still the most advanced in the world. Everyone, shelter in place until we make further announcements,” she says, accentuating her powerful voice with hand motions.

So that confirms it. The RSA must have been testing their control over the Evo in Stroudsburg before the strike.

“We’ll follow her order,” says Americus. “With America’s new missile defense systems and tenth generation Liberator drones, they have no chance. Keep your wits about you, though, and be ready for action. Otherwise, it’s business as usual until we hear more.”

People relax and disperse to various parts of the room.

Nav clasps my hand. “It’s going to be okay. Just relax.” She looks at my dirty, ripped jumpsuit and frowns. “Let’s get some new clothes. Then we can get cleaned up.”

I try to relax a bit, but this is crazy. As if things weren’t bad enough, now we’re at war. What can I do, though? Nothing but wait, I suppose.

We walk over to a device that is a three-foot-wide cylinder on a five-foot stand. Nav presses a button, and a holographic interface appears. “Show me small…” Nav eyes me. “Extra small woman’s tank tops.”

An assortment of different style tanks appears in front of us.

“Pick out five or so outfits. You can even add images.”

I scroll through